DEA Reiterates Fentanyl Dangers First Responders Face

June 13, 2017
The DEA is urging first responders to educate themselves on the dangers of fentanyl.

The Drug Enforcement Administration has recently stepped up its already broad efforts to warn firefighters and other first responders of the dangers they face from exposure to the synthetic opioid fentanyl.

"It only takes a very small amount of fentanyl or its derivatives -- which can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin or mucus membranes (such as being inhaled through the nose or mouth) -- to result in severe adverse reactions," according to the DEA's web page on the drug.

The DEA has put together a briefing guide on the dangers of the drug and has also referred first responders to the roll call video posted above, which is well worth watching before any go out on their next response call.